Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of traditional use for relieving respiratory congestion. Historical records show that peppermint tea and inhalations have been used in various cultures to help clear the lungs and ease breathing difficulties. The key constituent in peppermint, menthol, is known for its cooling and soothing sensation, which can subjectively make breathing feel easier. Menthol is commonly included in over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, and inhaling menthol vapor can provide a sense of improved airflow in the nasal passages.
However, scientific evidence specifically supporting peppermint leaf (as opposed to isolated menthol or peppermint oil) for lung congestion is limited. Some studies suggest that menthol may trigger cold receptors in the nose and airways, leading to a subjective feeling of improved airflow, but objective measures of lung function improvement are lacking. Most clinical research focuses on menthol rather than whole peppermint leaf preparations.
In summary, the use of peppermint leaf for lung congestion is primarily supported by traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. The evidence rating is moderate (2 out of 5) due to the consistency of traditional use and plausible mechanisms related to menthol, but the lack of direct clinical studies using peppermint leaf itself limits stronger recommendations.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Peppermint leaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Insect Repellant
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis